Blue Bell, Pennsylvania sits at around 400 feet above sea level in Montgomery County, approximately 20 miles northwest of Philadelphia. The area experiences all four seasons distinctly, with summer camping temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F while spring and fall can bring temperature swings and occasional heavy rainfall. Tent sites throughout the region often require advance booking during peak months of June through August when Philadelphia's urban residents seek weekend escapes.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: Boulder Woods Campground offers an extensive disc golf course that draws enthusiasts from across the region. According to Erik W., "They also have a disc golf course and they rent and sell discs. That's where we fell in love with disc golf." The campground store stocks disc golf supplies for both beginners and experienced players.
Historical exploration: Visit the nearby Morgan Log House just minutes from Village Scene Park, which offers year-round RV accommodations. Stuart K. notes, "For history buffs, check out nearby Morgan Log House, which has some nice historical significance and is super close to VSP." This preserved structure provides insights into early American colonial life.
Water activities: At French Creek State Park Campground, campers can enjoy two lakes for fishing and boating. Katie M. shares, "We did take our inflatable kayak out on the water, and it was lovely! There is also a nice picnic area with grills and picnic tables right by the boat landing, where we picnicked and hung out for an afternoon." The park rents canoes and kayaks during summer months.
Bird watching: Fort Washington State Park features a dedicated hawk-watching deck popular during spring and fall migrations. Stuart K. mentions, "Should you call yourself a bird watcher, you'll be particularly interested as from this very spot you can view the beautiful raptors that migrate here on a seasonal basis in both the Spring and Autumn." The park documents over 20 species of birds throughout the year.
What campers like
Level campsites: Many campers appreciate the thoughtful site construction at French Creek State Park Campground. According to Jen R., "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other." This design feature reduces the need for additional leveling equipment many campers must otherwise bring.
Clean facilities: Visitors frequently mention well-maintained bathroom facilities at campgrounds like Boulder Woods. Karralee B. states, "The bathrooms were nice and clean, showers were nice. There are a few bath houses that make the large camp ground have easy access to the bathrooms which I appreciated." These facilities typically include hot showers and dish washing stations.
Privacy between sites: Natural buffers between campsites rank high on camper satisfaction. At Tohickon Family Campground, Stephen W. notes, "Nice new gravel and hook ups. Spacious sites. Large stream with fishing." Many campgrounds in the region maintain trees and shrubs between sites to create more private camping experiences.
Year-round availability: Some campers appreciate winter camping options. Galit P. shares about French Creek State Park, "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great! If you're traveling through, there are many places to eat nearby." This off-season availability allows for camping even during cooler months when many other facilities close.
What you should know
Tent site terrain challenges: Rocky terrain can make tent setup difficult at certain campgrounds. Leah C. warns about Tohickon Family Campground, "It's more like a permanent RV park than a campground. The rain made the dirt in the tent campground turn to pure mud and the picnic table was unusable because it was in the middle of it." Always check site reviews about terrain before booking tent sites.
Campground size variations: The best places to camp near Blue Bell include both large developed facilities and smaller parks. Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park offers a more intimate experience, though Tiffany B. notes, "Sites are close to each other with absolutely no privacy. Bathrooms however are nice and clean with plenty of them around the park."
Group camping limitations: Some parks primarily accommodate group camping rather than individual sites. Sue C. explains about Fort Washington State Park, "Great historical park along Washington's route to Valley Forge - however, camping is group camping by reservation only, not nightly camping for individuals."
Seasonal restrictions: Many campgrounds operate with limited seasons. Tohickon Family Campground runs from April 1 to October 31, while others may close earlier. Always verify operating dates when planning trips, especially for spring or fall camping when weather conditions may affect openings.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated play areas: Families appreciate campgrounds with specific recreation facilities. Reviewing Boulder Woods Campground, Shannon C. shares, "This is a great campground. Bill and Kate are friendly and helpful. They have so much to do for kids!!" Many family-oriented campgrounds include playgrounds, game areas, and organized activities.
Consider sites near bathrooms: When camping with children, proximity to facilities matters. Jen R. notes about French Creek State Park, "We were in Loop B, which is the only loop that allows pets, on sites 35, 37, 39, & 40. Thankfully, a short walk to the bathroom facilities for us tent campers." Sites closer to bathrooms typically book faster during peak season.
Check for structured activities: Some campgrounds offer organized programming for children. Describing Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, Nicole S. explains, "They offer so many activities during the day and text you so you don't forget. The place is so clean including the bathrooms." These scheduled events help keep children engaged throughout their stay.
Evaluate swimming options: Water features rank high for family camping satisfaction. One visitor mentions, "This campground was so well maintained. There was so much to do there a pool, lake, horseshoes, cornhole, playground, big pillow and even more." Always check if pools have lifeguards and seasonal operating dates.
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: RV campers should verify adequate space for their specific rig. Jim G. shares about Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, "I stayed here as a first trip for my new Class C RV, as a shakedown trip for the rig. The campground is quiet, well-kept, and relatively clean." Some campgrounds have size restrictions or limited availability for larger rigs.
Hookup availability: Evansburg State Park Campground provides full hookup options, though some reviewers note the need to plan for limited availability. Confirm electricity amperage requirements match your RV needs, as not all sites offer 50-amp service required by larger motor homes.
Assistance with parking: Some campgrounds offer staff help with difficult site navigation. At Boulder Woods Campground, Erik W. explains, "The spots are tight to get into but the staff will offer to park your camper using your vehicle. I let them park mine and I'm really glad I did. It was super tight." This service can be particularly valuable for less experienced RV drivers.
Year-round options: For RVers needing camping near Blue Bell during winter months, Village Scene Park operates year-round. Stuart K. notes, "VSP's location is great for those wanting to access some of the bigger, better things in Philly proper, without having to actually stay in the city." This provides flexibility for extended-season camping when many other facilities close.
